Movable Gantry Robotic Apparatus for Automated Construction
Solution Overview
Problem
The construction industry faces inefficiencies and environmental concerns due to the reliance on heavy, cumbersome equipment that requires manual assembly and operation, leading to increased costs, construction time, and environmental impact, while current robotic systems are limited by weight restrictions and require extensive setup, restricting their application in large-scale construction projects.
Innovation Solution
A movable gantry robotic apparatus with a propulsion system, expandable and rotating turret, and linear X, Y, Z computer-controlled gantry bridge, equipped with sensors and microcontrollers for precise weight distribution and geo-spatial positioning, enabling efficient assembly, additive fabrication, and land moving operations, and capable of being transformed into a larger structure for heavy object lifting and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavy equipment is used for construction, then construction capability and lifting capacity are improved, but equipment mobility and setup time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The construction equipment is divided into modular components including a chassis, gantry system, robotic arms, and tool attachments that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows the system to be transported in smaller pieces and assembled on-site, improving mobility while maintaining full construction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gantry system incorporates adjustable and movable components including height-adjustable support legs, extendable arms, and reconfigurable tool holders. This dynamic design allows the equipment to adapt to different construction scenarios and be easily repositioned, enhancing both mobility and construction capability.
2Device complexity
If manual assembly and operation is used, then equipment simplicity is improved, but construction time and labor costs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system incorporates autonomous navigation capabilities, automated tool selection and attachment, and self-calibration features. The system can independently position itself, select appropriate tools for different tasks, and adjust its operations without constant human intervention, dramatically reducing construction time while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic platform is designed with universal interfaces and a standardized tool attachment system that allows a single base unit to perform multiple construction functions. By equipping the system with interchangeable tools and attachments, it can handle various construction tasks automatically, reducing both construction time and the need for multiple specialized equipment pieces.
3Extent of automation
If current robotic systems are used, then automation capability is improved, but weight restrictions and working area limitations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar movement to three-dimensional spatial operation through the addition of vertical gantry movement and height-adjustable components. This dimensional expansion allows the robotic system to access and work on larger construction areas including multi-level structures, effectively increasing the working area while maintaining full automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic design incorporates nested components where smaller robotic arms and tools can be stored within or attached to larger structural elements when not in use. The gantry system itself can be collapsed or nested into a compact configuration for transport, then expanded to provide a large working area on-site, effectively resolving the contradiction between automation capability and working area limitations.
4Stability of the object's composition
If extensive setup is required, then equipment stability is improved, but deployment time and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pre-assembled modular units with pre-configured components that are prepared before deployment. The chassis, gantry sections, and tool assemblies are manufactured and partially assembled in advance, allowing for rapid on-site deployment while maintaining stability through pre-engineered connection interfaces and standardized mounting procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic system having a movable gantry robot (10) for conducting construction operations. The gantry may have an expandable bridge (20) and articulated gantry support legs (34) as well as a support track system (60) holding a gantry robot (800) which may hold one or more implements and peripheral devices (806). The device can be moved by propulsion mechanisms, a controller, and one or more geo-positioned control devices to provide position information for the robotic gantry as it moves back and forth along a plurality of work sites (700). The robotic gantry is connected to a power supply system (236). The controller is automated, self-navigating, and activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of the propulsion mechanisms, and deploys, retracts, activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of one or more of the construction implements. The height of the frame may be adjusted by extending and rotating risers and booms to accommodate different building heights or sub-level heights at a worksite. A conveyor system is optimized for removing dirt from or delivering material to the robotic arm. This invention can be applied to automating construction jobs including surveying, land preparation, excavation, foundation, masonry, framing, and additive fabrication.